The vibrant sounds of music filled Central Park as thousands gathered for the Global Citizen Festival, a powerful event dedicated to combating extreme poverty and advocating for a fairer future for all. This year, the festival featured an impressive lineup of international stars including Shakira, Cardi B, and Rosé, drawing attention to critical global issues as part of the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the urgency of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to foster a more equitable world by 2030. “We have just five years left to make these goals a reality,” she reminded festival-goers. “We’re making progress, but it’s not fast enough, and the clock is ticking really loud.”
Ms. Mohammed, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the SDGs during her tenure as Special Advisor to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, highlighted the staggering financial commitment required to achieve these ambitious targets. “We need $4.3 trillion every year to finance the Goals and ensure that no one is left behind,” she asserted, calling on attendees to recognize the scale of the challenge ahead.
The Deputy Secretary-General’s passionate speech resonated with the audience as she urged for peace in conflict-ridden regions across the globe. “What really matters is to give peace a chance for the women in Sudan, for the children in Gaza, for the people in Ukraine. We need peace everywhere,” she declared, underlining the interconnectedness of global crises.
In her address, Ms. Mohammed also raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence, advocating for measures that ensure technology does not deepen existing divides. “We must ensure that women are included at every table where decisions are made,” she insisted, emphasizing the importance of representation in decision-making processes. She called for quality education and protection for the planet, highlighting the need for global stewardship from the Amazon to the Congo and beyond.
As the festival unfolded, attendees were encouraged to envision solutions where others see obstacles. Ms. Mohammed challenged everyone to harness their voices and “cut through the noise,” demanding accountability from global leaders and rejecting the “globalization of indifference.” With her impassioned call to action, she inspired a collective sense of hope and responsibility among the crowd, reminding them of their power to effect change in the world.
The Global Citizen Festival stands as a testament to the strength of community and the importance of continued advocacy in the fight for social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace. As the event came to a close, the message was clear: the time to act is now, and together, we can create a brighter future for all.
